Ethics and Religion Talk: Are we a people of 'makers and takers?'

As President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner negotiate a deal to avoid the coming fiscal cliff, is it fair to divide the country into 'makers and takers?'AP File Photo

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - As the country nears the end of 2012 and the so-called "fiscal cliff," this week's Ethics and Religion Talk deals with a reader's question related to federal budget rhetoric.

Specifically, MLive reader Gerrit DenHartog wonders if there's an ethical basis for dividing the U.S. population into "makers and takers." Rabbi David Krishef and his panel of clergy address the question below.

Mitt Romney took some heat for his comments earlier this year that 47 percent of Americans are "dependent upon government" because they pay no income tax and, he alleged, fail to "take personal responsibility and care for their lives."

Reflecting that perspective, MLive reader Gerrit DenHartog writes that “in my day-to-day experience I have encountered...references by political commentators to ‘the makers and the takers.’ The implication is that there is something less than honorable about people who are not ‘productive’ and who are dependent on others and perhaps their government. By their definition, it includes those of us who have worked hard for many years and are now retired, as well as disabled veterans and others who cannot work due to a disability or disease."

So let's consider this question:

How might your religious tradition relate to a distinction made between “makers,” productive members of society, and “takers,” non-productive people who may be dependent on assistance?

The Rev. Fred Wooden, senior minister of Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids

"The language of 'maker' and 'taker' divides society when in fact everyone is a 'taker' of social goods and almost everyone is a 'maker' of social goods (actions that benefit others as well as oneself). Social goods can be a product or service sold on the market, rearing a child, caring for an ailing parent, maintaining a household without pay or many other uncompensated roles that would cost a lot of money if they had to be hired out.

"Consider that most flamboyant of 'makers,' Donald Trump. He received (took) his parents' money and business connections, which made his financial success far more likely than if he started with less. He had to 'take' it in order to 'make it.' This illustrates that, in any society, dividing 'makers' and 'takers' is not possible. But doing so allows some to question the moral standing of those whose social goods are small or financially uncompensated, while equating financial or commercial prosperity with moral nobility. Ethically, we are all on the same level in society. While laws ought to encourage thrift and responsibility, speaking of 'makers' and 'takers' and erecting policy on that basis is inaccurate and, yes, immoral."

Sister Mary Timothy Prokes, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in Lowell

"It is unjust to divide the people of a nation into rigid categories. Social justice requires careful discernment, especially when dealing with those labeled negatively as 'takers.' What is crucial is integrity in assessing and responding to needs.

"People can be dependent on government assistance for very different reasons. Some 'take' from various levels of government assistance out of greed, dishonesty or unwillingness to take personal responsibility. Others, however, truly need assistance as a result of war, violence, unforeseen disasters or disabilities beyond the care-capacity of family or friends. These may be described more accurately as 'receivers.'

"The Catholic Church strongly supports true social justice so that every person, regardless of their gifts, inadequacies or inability to labor, can attain their highest dignity from conception until natural death. Being dependent on others out of honest need does not equal 'non-productivity.' Even the most helpless are able to contribute spiritually and socially to their care-givers and society. Charity and truthfulness are supreme in determining who are the 'givers' and 'receivers' of this world’s goods."

The Rev. Laurie Haller, pastor of Aldersgate and Plainfield United Methodist Churches in Grand Rapids

"In the Christian tradition there is no distinction between 'makers' and 'takers' because all human beings are God’s beloved children and are both givers and receivers. Jesus was a champion of the so-called 'takers' and marveled at the generous spirits of the poor and the marginalized.

"'Makers' are often born with the built-in advantages of wealth, stability and good fortune. Likewise, 'takers' cannot be blamed for living in generational poverty, being physically or mentally disabled or being downsized from a job. In fact, those who are not deemed productive are often more giving than 'makers.' They contribute to the good of society in ways that may not boost the nation’s wealth, but elevate our character, enlarge our tolerance and broaden our understanding. When we refrain from judging those whose stories are not known to us, we 'take' what we learn from others and 'make' a world where all people experience fullness of life."

We might keep the following Biblical passages in mind:

"There shall be no needy among you — since the LORD your God will bless you. There will never cease to be needy ones in your land, which is why I command you: open your hand to the poor and needy." [Deuteronomy 15:4, 11]

Ideally, no one will need assistance. The reality is that there will always be people who need support and it is our obligation to be generous.

Ethics and Religion Talk is compiled and written by David Krishef, rabbi at Congregation Ahavas Israel in Grand Rapids. Krishef takes questions from readers and shares them with a panel of clergy, then provides the responses in collaboration with MLive.com reporter Matt Vande Bunte. Please submit questions from your own day-to-day encounters to EthicsAndReligionTalk@gmail.com.